Hotels near Castle of Light at Edinburgh Castle

Castle of Light is an evening light and sound show staged inside Edinburgh Castle during the winter. Visitors follow a trail through the castle grounds as projections and lighting transform the walls, the batteries and the historic buildings. The 2025 edition, called Fire and Ice, ran from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026.

Dates for the 2026 show had not been confirmed at the time of writing. Tickets are sold separately from daytime castle entry and are timed, so it is worth booking as soon as the dates are announced.

The castle sits at the top of the Royal Mile, a 15-minute uphill walk from Waverley Station. It pairs well with an early evening at the Edinburgh Christmas market, since you look down on the lit gardens from the castle esplanade on the way in.

Pro Tip: Book an early time slot for Castle of Light, then walk down the Royal Mile to the market for dinner from the stalls. Wear sturdy shoes; the castle paths are steep and cobbled.